Saturday, July 20, 2013

Reported last March that after a two year advocacy effort, the Roosevelt Island Parents Network helped to establish a Toddler Swimming Program at Sportspark.

Image of Roosevelt Island Sportspark Toddler Swim Program

Due to its great demand by Roosevelt Island parents, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) has added more Toddler Swimming Classes at Sportspark. According to RIOC:

Due to an increase in demand, an additional Mommy and Me swim class has been added to the current schedule at the Sportspark facility (250 Main Street). In addition to the 11 AM AND 11:30 AM class on Sundays, a 10:30 AM class will also be offered with a class limit of 13 parents beginning Sunday, July 21st. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to sign-up for each class. In the interim, RIOC is working on new registration procedures which will include pre-registration and varied rates for residents and non-residents. A notification will be provided once the new policy is implemented.

A FREE day of entertainment, education & adventure celebrating the potential of our waterfront!

On Saturday, July 20th thousands from throughout the metropolitan region will make their way to the waterfront for the 6th annual City of Water Day Festival, presented by Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. A FREE day of entertainment, education, and adventure celebrating the world-class potential of our waterfront, the City of Water Day Festival is held each year on Governors Island and in Liberty State Park, NJ. Festival highlights include: FREE narrated boat tours; FREE ferry transit between Governors Island and Liberty State Park; kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, and sailing opportunities at Liberty State Park, NJ; the Waterfront Activity Fair and Symposium; special children’s activities like fishing, races, sing-a-longs, and arts and crafts; live music, delicious food, and more! Please visit www.cityofwaterday.org for all of the exciting details.

MWA President Roland Lewis adds:

City of Water Day is bigger and better than ever this year. Check out some of what is going on:

What time did this occur, was anybody injured, was a weapon involved, what was stolen,etc.

Thank you.

Mr. McManus replied

This incident occurred at approximately 9:30pm last night. A male was walking and talking on his cell phone, holding his wallet in his free hand when a young male ran up behind him and relieved him of his wallet. No force, no injuries, no weapon. A search was conducted for the subject by PSD with negative results. NYPD responded, filed a report and will conduct appropriate investigative follow-up.

It's really, really hot out there, dangerously hot for some. In previous years, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) would notify the community of available cooling centers. Until today, not this year.

Earlier this morning, I sent the following message to RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and the RIOC Directors:

In prior years during hear waves similar to what we are currently experiencing, RIOC would announce the site of available Cooling Centers in Roosevelt Island.

I have not seen any such announcement during the heat wave of the last few days.

Are there any Roosevelt Island Cooling Centers and if so can you tell the community where they are?

Thank you

A few minutes ago, RIOC issued the following advisory:

Please be advised due to the extreme weather conditions forecasted for today, a cooling center has been established at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, located at 546 Main Street. The cooling center is available now and will remain open until 8 PM. The Roosevelt Island cooling center will re-open Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM.

Please note that the Cooling Center will be open when the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high. Individuals who have no ready access to a cool environment, and particularly those at risk for heat related illness, should use established cooling centers during a heat wave.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to reduce their energy usage during the current heat wave affecting most of the State to help prevent power outages. The heat wave, the longest and worst of the summer, has resulted in near record demand for electricity.

“During this heat wave, it is understandable that many New Yorkers are staying cool indoors and turning up the air conditioning,” Governor Cuomo said. “However, this has led to near record demand for electricity so I urge New Yorkers to proactively conserve electricity use when possible to ease the pressure on the power grid and prevent outages. As we wait for temperatures to go down, New Yorkers should take appropriate actions to stay cool and healthy.”

The ongoing heat event is having a direct and immediate impact on electricity usage. Due to sustained high temperatures, experts predict demand for electricity in New York State will hit record levels.

To help reduce demand for electricity, the Governor called upon consumers to conserve. Power outages are more likely to occur during warm weather, when utility usage is at its peak. To avoid putting a strain on the power grid, conserve energy to help prevent power disruptions.

To conserve energy use:

Set your air conditioner thermostat no lower than 78 degrees. Only use the air conditioner when you are home.

Turn non-essential lighting and appliances off – only use appliances that have heavy electrical loads early in the morning or very late at night.

New Yorkers are encouraged to follow these tips to stay healthy, and protect themselves and others from the heat:

Slow down on strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun’s peak hours – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Exercise in the early morning between 4-7 a.m.

Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables – protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which can cause water loss. Eat small meals, but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods.

Drink at least 2-4 glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning.

If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.

Do not leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat – temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes.

Make an effort to check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have special needs.

Make sure there is enough water and food for pets and limit their exercise.

People Who Should Be Aware:

Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected.

Persons with weight or alcohol problems are very susceptible to heat reactions.

Persons on certain medications or drugs.

Heat Health Hazards:

Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke - can be life threatening. Body temperature can rise and cause brain damage; death may result if not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse, and shallow breathing. Relief for lowering body temperature can be with a cold bath or sponge.

Heat Exhaustion: Less dangerous than heat stroke, heat exhaustion usually occurs when people exercise too heavily or work in warm, humid places where body fluids are lost. Signals include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion. If symptoms occur, get the victim out of sun, and apply cool, wet cloths.

Sunburn: Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Signals include redness and pain; in severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, and headaches can occur. Ointments can be a relief for pain in mild cases. A physician should see serious cases.

Heat Cramps: Muscular pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion. Loss of water and salt from sweating causes cramping. Signals are abdominal and leg muscle pain. Relief can be firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massages to relieve cramping.

Please be advised due to the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms tomorrow evening, the scheduled outdoor movie, The Breakfast Club, has been canceled and rescheduled for Friday, August 30th (8:15 PM) at Southpoint Park.

Please be advised the main passenger elevator located at the Manhattan Tram station is currently out of service. Maintenance technicians will be on-site shortly to resolve the issue. While repairs are being performed, the disabled and patrons with strollers are encouraged to use the ADA elevator lift. An update will be provided as soon as the passenger elevator is back in service.

...tram operators are not answering the bell of the red elevator for those mothers and dads with strollers on the manhattan side of tram. People are having to ask other riders going up to the tram to notify the tram employees to come over and operate elevator.

UPDATE 2:15 PM - From the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse:

@Rooseveltisland just got off the tram and there was a tram operator assisting handicap people on the lift
— Joseph Strong (@JosephCStrong) July 18, 2013

Santonio Holmes At Roosevelt Island Octagon Field Image From The Jet Press

During Saturday's flag football game, one of the players got hurt. According to The Jet Press:

... there was an unfortunate incident where a player jumped to catch a pass, came down and landed quite awkwardly. So awkwardly, in fact, that he broke his leg fairly severely.

That is when Santonio came in. He can down to the end of the field where the player was hurt, and let the player know that he was going to take care of ALL OF HIS EXPENSES. His medical care, rehab, and whatever else he needs, Tone agreed to foot the bill for all of it....

How about that for “ToneTime”? It was alive and well, and living on Roosevelt Island...

... CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee recommended disapproval of EDC lease with Cornell NYC Tech at last night's meeting. Full CB 8 Board will vote on the issue Wednesday July 17. The EDC, Cornell and elected officials reps did not look very happy following the meeting. ...

The CB8 Cornell committee voted unanimously to recommend a no vote to the full Community Board asking that our Chair vote at the Borough Board to deny the lease to Cornell. Reasons: not enough of our community agreements and protections are built into the lease to protect the community from Cornell defaulting on their agreements. We are hoping for the EDC to come back to us with a better lease agreement so they can have a unanimous vote at the Borough Board.

CB 8 RI Committee Member Jeff Escobar adds:

Simply put and speaking individually as a Committee Member but not on behalf of the Board: there were serious concerns and reservations among members of the Committee that the commitments made and negotiated with Cornell were not sufficiently incorporated and integrated into the terms and the provisions of the lease between the City and the Land Development Corporation, as to be assigned to Cornell, so as to properly protect and meet the interests of the community. Many commitments and items which were previously promised by Cornell to be either flushed out or better defined at the time of the execution of the lease were either "still being worked out," as was repeatedly stated by representatives of both Cornell and the EDC during tonight's hearing, or incorporated by reference rather than integrated as operable provision of the lease.

A lease of this size, type and magnitude should be well defined and leave no room for question as to what are the obligations of the parties under the leasehold, the milestone and timelines for certain commitments and events, terms and triggers of default, etc. It became very clear as testimony wore on that this clarity was not integrated within the lease; rather, the EDC thought it more proper to just attach the community commitments of Cornell as an attachment to the lease (vis-a-vis a letter drafted by Cornell, itself, which members of the community and the Committee stated at the meeting does not succinctly and specifically represent the expected community commitments by Cornell) rather than to take the time to review, craft and integrate each of the commitments as specific and actionable provisions, covenants, representations and warranties within the lease itself. It is for these reasons and others which gave members of the Committee pause and unwillingness to merely approve and rubber stamp the disposition, and persuaded the Committee to unanimously vote to disapprove the disposition at this time.

I asked Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin, who negotiated the letter agreement commitments for the Roosevelt Island community with Cornell NYC Tech, for her reaction to the CB 8 RI Committee lease disapproval recommendation. Ms. Lappin replied:

I am confident that with Cornell, RICC, RIRA, RIOC, Community Board 8 and the elected officials working together the commitments made to Roosevelt Island will be met. Everyone wants this project to succeed for the benefit of Roosevelt Island and our city as a whole.

The Cornell commitment letter agreements to the Roosevelt Island community are here and here.

The EDC had no comment at this time.

During the July 15 CB 8 RI Committee Public Meeting, Cornell NYC Tech, EDC officials and a representative of Ms. Lappin's office were stunned at the disapproval recommendation by the RI Committee. They maintained that the commitments made by Cornell NYC Tech were fully enforceable even though they were included in the lease as an attachment.

Regardless of tonight's CB 8 vote outcome, the Manhattan Borough Board (MBB) will vote on the EDC/Cornell NYC Tech lease Thursday morning. The MBB is made up of NYC Council Members from Manhattan and the Community Board chairs but only the NYC Council Members and the board chair that represents the area in which the project is locates votes on the matter, in this case CB8. The borough president also votes.

EDC President Seth Pinsky announced yesterday that he was leaving EDC to join a real estate firm. According to Capital New York:

... Pinsky, who has served in the position since 2008, has spearheaded some of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's most controversial economic development projects, like the redevelopment of Willets Point, as well as some of its most lauded, like the agreement to create a Cornell-Technion campus on Roosevelt Island....

I would have loved to hear Mr. Pinsky's reaction when he was told of CB 8 RI Committee vote recommending disapproval of the EDC/Cornell NYC Tech Lease. Can you imagine?

Speaker Christine Quinn abstained, as she does on all votes, and CB 8 Chair Nick Viest abstained as well. Mr. Viest explained that CB 8 could not come to an agreement at last night's meeting approving the recommendation of lease disapproval by the Roosevelt Island Committee nor could it reach an agreement on a separate motion to approve the lease. Therefore, Mr. Viest abstained.

Yesterday I had coffee with Jack McManus, our interim Public Safety Director. He invited me to chat after I had emailed my concerns to the RIOC board (that was lesson 1 for me - on this island, it's easier than we think to have our voices heard). I don't speak for him, this is just my take-aways from the chat. He hit on several things that people on this blog (myself included) express concerns about. (1) He is working toward more training for PSD officers in a variety of areas; (2) he pushes to get more officers out of the station and active on the island - doesn't like to see people standing around; (3) there's only so much information about recent events that can be made publicly available given the investigative process, but anything not restricted by that process is disseminated as there is no benefit to withholding information; (4) he and Ms. Indelicato are new to the island, but working very hard to maintain/strengthen the safety of islanders.

I did ask about the idea of replacing PSD with NYPD. He pointed out that NYPD is here, including when they are needed when something happens, and at the end of the day the island is far better off with PSD than without it. As we spoke and by total coincidence, out of the window behind me there were two PSD officers speaking with an NYPD officer...

He has extensive experience working with the NYPD. He mentioned some of the complex ideas being discussed, including vertical patrols in Manhattan Park. He's also looking at the smaller details, noting that there's no reason PSD SUV windows should be tinted,

PSD SUV Tinted Windows Image From Judy Berdy

so he's looking to remove that. I like that - a minor detail that can positively impact the perspective of people on the island (both law-abiding and otherwise).

PSD SUV Tinted Windows Removed Image From Judy Berdy

I have noticed, over the last week or so, more of a PSD presence in the garage and in front of MP. I had thought it was in response to all of the recent incidents, but it may also be Mr. McManus' influence on PSD. Either way, it's an improvement.

So that was the meat of the discussion. He seems like a great guy, certainly trustworthy, and has a genuine interest in having a lasting positive impact on the island. I have a lot more confidence in our local officials this morning.

A former Roosevelt Island Public Safety Officer and current NYPD Officer, Not My Kid, offers some suggestions for improving the Public Safety Department here and here.

Please be advised that Riverwalk 7, LLC, the owner and developer of the seventh building in the Southtown Master Plan, will be erecting a construction fence to surround the building site and adjacent work area. To secure the property, the fence will encompass a portion of the sidewalk on the east side of Main Street between the two pedestrian crosswalks in front of the site. A portion of the sidewalk will be closed. As a safety precaution, pedestrian traffic will be detoured across the crosswalks to the western sidewalk in lieu of walking next to the fence/construction site.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committeeof the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.

"You know I am gonna get shit for this but I really think FDR knew about Pearl Harbor" - Drunkard #3 to Drunkard #4.

"I'm leaving! I know better than to stay past Jeopardy! Look at this young lady who has to put up with you LOONS! Goodbye young lady. It's always nice to see a beautiful feminine presence in this godforsaken place." - drunkard #4

All in the space of 60 seconds at the only diner on Roosevelt Island, where Michener thought she'd drink coffee and get some work done.

Submission by the New York City Economic Development Corporation to the Manhattan Borough Board pursuant to Section 384(b)(4) of the New York City Charter of a lease to Cornell University to develop NYC Tech Campus on Roosevelt Island.
Old Business
New Business

Jeffrey Escobar and Laurence Parnes, Co-Chairs

A CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee member reports:

The meeting is open to the public who will have an opportunity to speak.

We will not be revisiting the project. One of the concerns will be how the commitments made by Cornell are incorporated into the lease and what provisions exist for accountability and enforcement of these commitments. The presentation is being made by the Economic Development Corporation but Cornell is expected to be present.

... Council Member Jessica Lappin negotiated to secure many commitments from the Administration and Cornell NYC Tech. The city has pledged to contribute funding to a one-year summer ferry service pilot program and has designated an NYPD liaison to ensure continued safety and security on Roosevelt Island. The university has committed to:

· Undertake the most aggressive voluntary use of barging in New York City, which will reduce the number of construction vehicles on Roosevelt Island by more than half, as compared to traditional building techniques.

· Partner with New York City middle schools to create Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, with a special focus on girls. Initial pilot programs will begin at P.S./I.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island, M.S. 406 in East Harlem, and I.S. 204 and P.S. 111 in Long Island City, Queens. Starting this summer, Cornell NYC Tech will sponsor an immersion program for girls in these schools to learn coding, web design, robotics and mobile development under the mentorship of some of the industry’s top engineers and entrepreneurs.

· "Adopt" the local school on Roosevelt Island, PS/IS 217, by providing programming such as teacher training and support, after school programming, tech events, career day options, and hardware and software programming development.

· Conduct air monitoring throughout the project, including demolition, excavation and construction. The results of this monitoring will be posted on the construction website.

· Engage extensively with the Roosevelt Island community by creating a construction task force with residents and others; researching ways that technology can enhance the lives of the disabled and the older adults on the Island; providing computers and training to senior center members and the disabled community; providing a tech fair to advance technology education for the disabled; working with the community to program outdoor space for children....

Click here for theLetter Agreement detailing the commitments made by Cornell NYC Tech to City Council Member Jessica Lappin, the entire City Council and the Roosevelt Island Community which are included as part of the lease agreement between the NYC and Cornell for the Goldwater Hospital site. In addition to the commitments included in the lease agreement, NYC Deputy Mayor’s Robert Steel sent this letter dated May 2 2012 to Ms. Lappin regarding NYC contributing operating funds for a pilot Roosevelt Island ferry service and NYPD monitoring security concerns for the new campus.

UPDATE 7/16 - CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee recommended disapproval of EDC lease with Cornell NYC Tech at last night's meeting. Full CB 8 Board will vote on the issue Wednesday July 17. The EDC, Cornell and elected officials reps did not look very happy following the meeting.

Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance reports on a Public Safety Officer who assisted an injured child this past weekend. Mr. Farance sent in the following report last night:

On Saturday afternoon, a bunch of us original Roosevelt Islanders were having a mini reunion at the Meditation Steps. One of the children fell and got a gash on his knee. We didn't know how long it would be before getting treated in the emergency room, so on the way there we stopped at PSD headquarters - hoping they might have first aid to clean the cut. The child was very nervous because he knew he was going to the hospital, but Officer Potter was very calm and helpful with both the mother and the child. The child arrived at the hospital, trying to be a Good Patient. He suffered several stitches.

I saw Officer Potter tonight and thanked him personally for his help. Just thought you, too, would want to know about his good efforts.

We often hear of conflict and tensions between the community and Public Safety Department. It's nice to be able to report on the good job done by Public Safety Officers which too often is not known.

Thank you Officer Potter and thanks Mr. Farance for sharing the story.

Thank you for taking the time to send this note. I will recognize the efforts of Officer Potter both privately, and at Roll Call, in front of his peers. Additionally, I will place a copy of your note in Officer Potter's personal folder. Once again, thank you for taking the time to send this note.

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WELCOME TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Welcome to the Roosevelt Islander Online!

Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.

The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.